Latest News

18 December 2017

CIGNA NEW 10KM SPONSOR

We are excited to welcome Cigna to our family of amazing sponsors, as the title sponsor for the 10km at both our Air New Zealand Hawke's Bay and Queenstown International Marathons.

“Cigna is dedicated to helping its customers improve their health and wellbeing, and today’s announcement expands our commitment across New Zealand,” Cigna Chief Executive Lance Walker says.

18 November 2017

STUNNING CONDITIONS LEAD TO RACE RECORDS GALORE AT AIR NZ QUEENSTOWN MARATHON

Absolutely perfect weather conditions delivered a record smashing day at the Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon, with five new race records, including a clean sweep in the Air New Zealand Marathon and New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Half Marathon events.

16 November 2017

MARATHON CHAMPION RETURNS TO DEFEND QUEENSTOWN TITLE

Mel Aitken returns to a happy hunting ground this weekend as the West Coast runner lines up to defend her Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon title, but will do so in the face of fierce opposition in the fourth running of the already iconic event.

16 November 2017

AIR NEW ZEALAND QUEENSTOWN MARATHON SETS NEW RECORDS

Record numbers will set off in a variety of events at this Saturday’s Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon, with 9720 competing in the five events, bringing with them many more thousands of supporters, family and friends to the Queenstown Lakes District.

15 November 2017

TIMARU RUNNER LOOKS TO ADD QUEENSTOWN TO LIST OF TITLES

Sam Wreford (Timaru) goes into Saturday’s Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon with the form deserving of a race favourite, but expects a stern challenge in the run to the line at the Queenstown Memorial Recreation Centre.

9 November 2017

MARATHON ATTRACTS RUNNERS OF ALL AGES FROM FAR AND WIDE

Queenstown and the Central Otago Lakes District will again play host to close to ten thousand runners and many more thousands of family and supporters when the Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon comes to town on November 18.

There are currently 41 countries represented, with entrants ranging in age from 5 to 93 years of age, all lining up in an event that has quickly become established as one of the world’s leading destination marathons.

8 November 2017

RUNAWAY AND CHASE THE SUN IN NOOSA

The latest addition to the Runaway Marathon Series is Runaway Noosa Marathon on Saturday 26 May, 2018, a premium running experience and weekend getaway in an amazing holiday and recreational destination. Whether running for fun or totally full on, the world famous Noosa Heads on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is the place to run away to.

Runaway Noosa Marathon will be as much about achieving your running goals as it is escaping to a weekend filled with sunshine and good times, chasing the sun and enjoying the perfect 23 degree autumn temperatures, beach weekend bliss and all that Noosa has to offer.

18 October 2017

AUSSIES LEAD OVERSEAS INVASION AT AIR NZ QUEENSTOWN MARATHON

The Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon is already well established as an iconic event, one renowned globally for its stunning location, scenery and the hospitality offered at New Zealand’s largest annual marathon race.

If further evidence of that popularity was needed, it comes in the form of a growing group of Australians who are taking the chance to trip across the Tasman to sample the off-road trails of the Queenstown Lakes District, and more than likely some of the amazing wine and food and tourism activities that the region is built upon.

With less than five weeks to go until race day, an incredible 1,113 Australians have signed up to take part in the variety of events on offer on November 18, and that number is increasing every day.

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23 May 2017

WINTER TRAINING TIPS

Winter is now knocking on our door and with that comes colder temperatures, and the motivation to get out training decreases.

So before that kicks in, make plans to prevent it so you don't skip a beat! For assistance with tips, coaching, programs and more, GetRunning are your first stop. They have shared some winter training tips to help you get started:

1) Plan your week. On a Sunday night lock into your calendar or diary the week's training sessions, including all your runs and any cross training sessions. Make your training a priority.

2) Run with a friend or a group. Making a commitment to other people will help keep you on track as you won't want to let them down by not showing up. Plus you'll have to account to them for your absences!

3) Prepare. Lay out all your gear the night before so it is ready to jump into as soon as that alarm goes off - you'll be out the door before you even wake up! If you're training after work get changed at work before you leave so you won't be tempted to head straight home and hit the couch. Plus have a light snack on the way to top up the energy supplies.

8 May 2017

AIR NEW ZEALAND QUEENSTOWN MARATHON HELPS INSPIRE TRANS-TASMAN RUNAWAY SERIES

The launch of the ‘Runaway Barossa Marathon’ on 21 October 2017 in Australia has much to thank two New Zealand events for, with the success of the Air New Zealand Queenstown and Hawke’s Bay International Marathons seen as the blueprint for the new Runaway Marathon Series.

The Runaway Marathon Series builds on the ‘new’ concept in marathon running, with events in New Zealand and Australia based around a weekend escape with friends and family offering brand new marathon and half marathon courses (and 10km and kids’ runs) in stunning destinations, (click here for more on the Runaway Barossa Marathon).

29 November 2016

GOODBYE MARATHON HILL, HELLO NEW ‘FIRST HALF’ COURSE FOR 2017 AIR NZ QUEENSTOWN INTERNATIONAL MARATHON

The removal of the infamous ‘marathon hill’ and the introduction of a new limited capacity half marathon course are the main innovations for the 2017 Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon.

Entries for the 2017 Air New Zealand Queenstown International marathon will go on sale on Thursday at 11am (NZT), and on the back of a record breaking and hugely successful 2016 event (9,544 entries), organisers are expecting demand to be high across all race distances, with a number of innovations to further excite those taking
part.

The 2017 event will take place on Saturday November 18 and will include significant new innovations, including a strictly limited capacity half marathon course taking in the first half of the Air New Zealand Marathon course for the first time, starting and finishing at stunning Millbrook Resort.

20 November 2016

QUEENSTOWN TURNS ON A STUNNER FOR FIRST TIME MARATHON WINNERS

A first time winner and a third time grinner were the stories of the day at the Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon today, with Donal Sheehy (Dublin via Auckland) winning the men’s event on debut over the distance, while Mel Aitken (formerly Dunedin now Greymouth) was thrilled to see the finish tape after twice previously finishing runner up over the Queenstown Lakes District Trails.

Close to 10,000 participants set off over various distances on a crisp but beautifully clear morning, with a record 1,936 having registered for the full Air New Zealand Marathon distance, making it the largest Marathon in New Zealand in what must surely be the most stunning setting, with Queenstown in picture postcard form today.

16 November 2016

ELITE WOMEN SET FOR ANOTHER BATTLE IN QUEENSTOWN

Victoria Beck and Mel Aitken will return to once again battle for honours at the 2016 Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon on November 19, with Beck looking to make it three in a row and ensuring she continues to be the only women’s name on the winners list at the hugely popular and fast growing event.

Formerly from Dunedin, the now Australia domiciled Beck has been busy and in good form, finishing third at the Melbourne Marathon (Australian Champs) and was 8th overall and second in the Oceania Champs on the Gold Coast earlier this year.

The ‘Running Orthodontist’ will once again make the trip across the Tasman to take on an event that she has quickly fallen in love with.

“Queenstown holds a special place in my heart, I am from Dunedin so it is right on my doorstep, plus I love the off-road nature of the race,” said Beck from her home in MacKay.

10 November 2016

MARATHON ENSURES LEGACY IS LEFT WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY

The Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon will have a significant impact on the Queenstown Lakes District when thousands of runners and their families and supporters arrive into town for the November 19 Festival of Running, with millions of dollars in economic benefit pouring into the local economy.

It is a longer lasting legacy however that the event organisers are just as proud of, and that is the impact on many community groups who play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of a world class event to the 9,544 participants and the many more there to offer support and sample the wonders of the region.

Race Director Nicole Fairweather says the event simply couldn’t happen without the involvement of an amazing team of volunteers, with just over 50% representing a community group or club who in turn benefit from their commitment.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL RELEASE

9 November 2016

RECORD ENTRIES FOR AIR NEW ZEALAND QUEENSTOWN INTERNATIONAL MARATHON

In just its third year the Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon has attracted record entries for the November 19 event, with 9,544 people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities signed up across all events, with 1,936 of those registered for the full Air New Zealand Marathon distance.

With organisers conscious of protecting the experience for those taking part on the primarily off-road trails that make up the course, entries in all events are at or near capacity in what has quickly become an iconic event on the New Zealand and global running calendar.

Event Director Nicole Fairweather says the response has been fantastic.

“Given the incredible popularity of the Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon, we set caps on each of the events to ensure there was no compromising the quality of the experience for the runners. Even with those caps however, we are very proud and humbled that in just our third year we are in the conversation alongside the most popular marathon events in the country and continue to show strong growth year upon year.

“Demand for entries has been high across all events, especially from people outside the Queenstown Lakes District, with 90% of those entered coming from other parts of New Zealand or overseas. Highlighting the appeal of the event and the location is that we will have 49 countries represented, with 1,594 international runners coming from places as far afield as Australia, China, USA, Hong Kong, Great Britain and Singapore.”

An increase in visitors from outside the region means increased tourism and spending around the event, with the hospitality and tourism sectors set for a boom weekend as not only the participants arrive in town, but bring their families and supporters with them.

That demand will see Air New Zealand operate nearly 1,400 extra seats into Queenstown in the days prior to the race delivering runners and supporters into the region for what is a festival of running followed no doubt by some ‘sampling’ of the many tourism activities the Queenstown Lakes District has to offer.

All events have proven popular and have seen an increase on last year’s already superb overall turnout, highlighted by the 1,936 registered for the full Air New Zealand Marathon. The AIA 10k was the first event to sell out, with 2,148 signed up, the NZ Sotheby’s RE Half Marathon also proving hugely popular as many look to build towards a tilt at the full Air New Zealand Marathon in future years with 5,306 signed up for the 21.1km distance.

It is the women who lead the way in Queenstown, making up 62% of all entries. A popular trend amongst the reasons for entering is the chance not only to participate in the event, but to then enjoy a weekend away with friends or family, highlighting the value in the destination for this event.

Just as the home towns are varied, the age range is wide from the youngest entrants (numerous five year olds are signed up for the Kids Run) to the oldest entrant in 81 year old David Graham who is taking on the NZ Sotheby’s RE Half Marathon. Incredibly it is a first for David who is running as part of three generations of the family taking part on the day.

The Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon enjoys the support of local businesses too, with the weekend proving to be one of the busiest for a region that relies heavily on tourism.

“The weekend of the Queenstown Marathon has become one of the busiest of the year for us at both Madam Woo and Rata and it is something that we are very keen to see continue”, said Hayley Scott, Operations Manager for Mayfare Group.

“The demographic of the people attending the race are such that they are also here to get out and enjoy the region and often bring supporters and family.

“There is no doubt that it is a great event economically for the region but is also a great event for the community and one that benefits the region as a whole by promoting and celebrating the ideals of getting out there and enjoying the great outdoors and the gorgeous scenery that we are so well known for.”

Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon – By the Numbers

• Male –38%, Female 62%
• Average Age 42 years
• Youngest – 5 years
• Oldest – 81 years
• Total entries – 9,544
• Kids fun run – 154
• AIA 10km – 2,148
• NZ Sotheby’s RE Half Marathon – 5,306
• Air New Zealand Marathon – 1,936
• 90% entrants from out of the Queenstown Lakes District
• 49 countries represented
• 16% of entrants are international visitors (1,598)
o Australia 885, China 225, USA 148, Hong Kong 57 GB 40, Singapore 40
• Extra Air New Zealand flights – 18 (3,078 seats)

8 November 2016

Post race, chances are you'll be keen for a cold drink. Cargo Brewery & Kitchen will be selling celebratory drinks include Cargo beer and cider, bubbles and wine. They will also be selling some delicious food at Expo (including a few tasters) so make sure you check them out!

Plus there are going to be heaps of yummy post race food options including; Two Wild Sisters, Southern Fare, The Empanada Kitchen, The Green Juicing Company, Rebel Food, Francesca's Pizza, Espresso 2 Go, Patagonia Chocolates and Suma Sushi.

2 November 2016

The phones have been running hot over the last few days from people who have not entered the 2016 Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon before entries closed on 27 October, 2016.

Some of these people have been training for months and are travelling from all over the world to run our beautiful course. Many already purchased flights and accommodation, but for one reason or another overlooked the very important part of registering for the event! After much debate and consideration, we’ve decided to help these people out and we will be reopening entries for a one time only 48 hour window.

We want to be fair to everyone who missed out, so we are giving everyone the chance to enter during this time.

Entries will be open again on the website from 9.00am Thursday 3 November to 9.00am Saturday 5 November.

Please note:
- This does not include entries to the AIA 10km which is sold out.
- Person to person transfers are not available
- Distance transfers are not available
- Shuttle bus tickets and merchandise will not be available for purchase, only entries.
- Entries are limited and could sell out at any time during this 48 hour period – SO ACT FAST.
- After 9am Saturday 5 November there will no further chances to enter the 2016 Air NZ Queenstown Marathon.

28 June 2016

PERSONAL NUTRITION FOR MARATHON RUNNERS

We understand how important personal nutrition is and the effect it can have on your performance on the day. Therefore we are really happy to let you know that you will be able to leave a personal drink bottle with us at the start line (marathon runners only), and we will deliver it out on course for you. The two locations available for personal nutrition will be Aid Station 6 (22.5km) and Aid Station 8 (30km).

21 November 2015

COURSE RECORD AND BACK TO BACK WINNER IN QUEENSTOWN

A new course record for a new men’s winner and back to back victories in the women’s race were the features of the Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon today. Read more.

11 November 2015

MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR IMPACT FROM AIR NZ QUEENSTOWN MARATHON

The Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon is an event big on numbers – and that goes beyond the sold out 9,000 field of entrants across the various events on Saturday 21 November 2015. Read more.

3 November 2015

QUEENSTOWN MARATHON PUTS ITS MARK ON THE WORLD

The Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon is just two years old this November but already it is more than living up to its international billing with the event selling out in the full marathon, half marathon and 10km races, thanks in part to the huge overseas interest in the event. Read more.